Blackshires Foundation & Team R3SET Present

Culture Shift Summit

Join us for a transformative 2-day summit empowering the Berkshire Black Community hosted at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)!

This is a priority program for the 2024-2027 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Berkshire County and part of the SUCC3SS Impact Accelerator.

Thank You To
Our Sponsors and Partners!

about the event

Over two inspiring days, community leaders, stakeholders, and visionaries will come together to cultivate ideas, build connections, and develop a comprehensive blueprint for a thriving future. A collaboration between Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation and Team R3SET.

Dates: February 26th-27th
Location: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), Murdock Hall
Time: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Wednesday Schedule
Registration, Breakfast, & Networking - 8:30 am to 9:15 am

Neighborhood Revitalization - 9:45 am to 12:00 pm
Luncheon - 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Break - 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Black Health & Wellness - 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Thursday Schedule
Registration, Breakfast, & Networking - 8:30 am to 9:25 am
Black Arts & Culture - 9:45 am to 12:00 pm
Luncheon - 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Break - 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Luncheon - 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Black Tourism & Hospitality - 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Full Agenda Details Below

Why Attend?

Empowerment & Leadership: Gain insights from esteemed community leaders and economic development experts.
Collaborative Workshops: Participate in sector-focused Idea Jams designed to drive actionable solutions.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, potential partners, and key stakeholders.
Strategic Planning: Engage in feedback sessions and contribute to the creation of actionable plans for community growth.

Keynote Speakers

Emmet Pierson Jr.

President & CEO

Community Builders of Kansas City

With a remarkable track record managing over $250 million in assets, Emmet will speak on the importance of empowering communities through impact development. His expertise in award-winning community programs and neighborhood collaboration will inspire you to think big about local development and community strength.

Dr. Imari Paris Jeffries

President & CEO
Embrace Boston

Imari K. Paris Jeffries, Ph.D., is leading a citywide racial equity transformation through The Embrace monument, the Embrace Center, and ongoing community organizing efforts. Imari brings a wealth of experience from the nonprofit management, racial equity, community activism, education reform, and social justice sectors.

Imari was recently named one of Boston’s Most Influential Bostonians by Boston Magazine and the Boston Business Journals Power 50.

Tiffany Allecia

Executive Director
Springfield Creative City Collective

Tiffany Allecia M.Ed. is the Executive Director of the Springfield Creative City Collective, focusing on systemic change and empowerment for marginalized communities in Springfield, MA. Inspired by local mentors, she has committed her career to combating systemic racism and economic inequity through various initiatives. A double graduate of Howard University, Tiffany emphasizes trauma-informed activism and intersectional solutions.

Michael Bobbitt

Executive Director
Mass Cultural Council

Mass Cultural Council Executive Director Michael J. Bobbitt is the highest-ranking cultural official in Massachusetts state government. Since his appointment in February 2021, the Council has made significant strides, including crafting its first Racial Equity Plan, d/Deaf Disability Equity Plan, Native American and Indigenous Equity Plan, securing and distributing a historic $60.1M in state pandemic relief for the cultural sector, and crafting and adopting its FY24-FY26 Strategic Plan.

Darlene Rodowicz

CEO
Berkshire Health Systems

Darlene Rodowicz, President & CEO of Berkshire Health Systems, whose visionary leadership is transforming healthcare in Pittsfield and beyond. With a solid foundation in accounting from UMass Amherst and an MBA from Western New England University, Darlene brings strategic expertise and innovation to the forefront of the healthcare industry. Her commitment to excellence and community well-being underscores her drive to foster sustainable growth and impactful change in the region.

Gwendolyn VanSant

Principal and Owner

Equity in Practice, LLC

Gwendolyn VanSant is a dedicated trainer and facilitator in diversity leadership, cultural competence, and coalition building for justice and equity. As CEO and Co-Founding Director of Multicultural BRIDGE, she collaborates with organizations to promote safety and trust. Her initiatives, including the Du Bois 150th birthday festival and the “Not in the Berkshires” campaign, showcase her commitment to racial justice and gender equity. Gwendolyn is a recognized social entrepreneur and activist, inspiring change through training and speaking engagements.

Dr. James Birge

President

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

James F. Birge, Ph.D., is the 12th president of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams, where he has led transformative initiatives since 2016. With over 30 years in higher education, he has introduced new majors, minors, and accelerated degrees, and opened a new location in Pittsfield He also serves on community boards and holds a Ph.D. in leadership studies from Gonzaga University.

NEWS & UPDATES

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Opening Speaker

Leigh Davis

Massachusetts State Representative, Third Berkshire District

unlock THE economic power of YOUR full community

Neighborhood Revitalization

Neighborhood Revitalization is essential for fostering sustainable, inclusive communities. This session will focus on designing a strategic framework that strengthens Black-led development, ensuring equity, economic empowerment, and long-term impact. Through collaborative discussions and workshops, participants will refine Phase 1 priorities, explore policy advocacy, funding strategies, and community engagement, and establish leadership roles to drive meaningful change.

Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness are critical pillars for sustainable community development. This focus will address disparities in access to healthcare, mental health resources, and wellness services, while exploring strategies to improve quality of life for the Berkshire Black community. Through collaborative discussions and workshops, attendees will develop actionable plans to promote holistic well-being, resilience, and equity in health outcomes.

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture serve as the heart of community identity and economic growth. At the summit, we will explore how creative initiatives can drive cultural tourism, boost local economies, and strengthen the social fabric. Participants will engage in strategic planning sessions that spotlight the transformative power of the arts in enhancing community well-being and opening pathways to economic empowerment.

Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism & Hospitality are essential engines for economic opportunity, job creation, and cultural exchange. At the summit, we will delve into innovative ways to elevate the Berkshires as a premier destination, highlighting the rich heritage and contributions of the Black community. Participants will work together to craft strategies for marketing, visitor engagement, and infrastructure development that benefit residents and attract a diverse array of visitors.

Summit Agenda:
A Journey of Transformation

Event Details
Dates: February 26th-27th
Location: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), Murdock Hall
Time: Starts 8:30 am - 9:00 am

Day 1 Agenda

Neighborhood Revitalization / Health & Wellness

🏠 Morning Program- Neighborhood Revitalization

8:30 - 9:15 AM | Registration, Breakfast & Networking

9:15 - 9:45 AM | Opening Remarks

Welcome & Remarks: Dr. James Birge, President of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Speaker: Leigh Davis, MA State Representative
Topic: Equitable housing and community development

9:45 AM - 12:00 PM | Neighborhood Revitalization: Shaping the Future of Berkshire Black Community Development Corporation

For housing advocates, urban planners, developers, and policymakers.

Panel Discussion: Solutions for affordable housing and economic growth
Breakout Groups: Prioritizing funding, zoning, and policy change
Action Steps: Defining next steps for real investment and impact

🍱 Luncheon & Keynote
Keynote Speaker: Emmet Pierson Jr., President & CEO, Community Builders of Kansas City
Topic: Fireside chat on community-led investment and housing equity

⭐ Networking & Afternoon Registration

🏥 Afternoon Program - Health Equity & Wellness

2:00 - 2:15 PM | Afternoon Opening Remarks

2:15 - 5:00 PM | Building a Black Health Equity Framework
For healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, and policymakers.
Panel Discussion: Experts discuss mental health, holistic wellness, and systemic reform

Breakout Strategy Labs:

Expanding access to culturally competent care
Integrating fitness, nutrition, and alternative healing
Transforming policy for better health outcomes

Action Steps:

Defining next steps for Black health equity and investment
5:15 PM | Closing Remarks

Day 2 Agenda

Arts & Culture / Tourism & Hospitality

🎨 Morning Program- Arts & Culture

8:30 - 9:15 AM | Registration, Breakfast & Networking

9:15 - 9:45 AM | Opening Remarks

9:45 AM - 12:00 PM | Shaping the Future of Black Arts & Culture

For artists, cultural leaders, and equity advocates.
Speaker: Tiffany Allecia, Executive Director, Springfield Creative City Collective
Panel Discussion: Equity in arts funding, policy, and leadership

Breakout Strategy:
Building power & visibility for Black artists
Unlocking funding and long-term sustainability
Strengthening equity policies and partnerships

Action Steps:

Developing strategies for lasting change in Black arts and culture

🍱 Luncheon & Keynote
Keynote Speaker: Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council
Topic: Fireside chat on how arts investment fuels social change and economic growth

⭐ Networking & Afternoon Registration

🛄 Afternoon Program- Tourism & Hospitality

2:00 - 2:15 PM | Afternoon Opening Remarks

2:15 - 5:00 PM | Leveraging the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Launch for Black Tourism
For business owners, entrepreneurs, cultural institutions, and policymakers.
Speaker: Dr. Imari Paris Jeffries, President & CEO, Embrace Boston
Topic: Using cultural landmarks to boost Black tourism
Panel Discussion: Strategies to establish the Berkshires as a national Black cultural hub

Breakout Strategy Labs:
Branding and marketing Black tourism
Funding infrastructure for sustainable growth
Expanding Black cultural experiences and events
Engaging policymakers and businesses in advocacy

Action Steps:

Defining next steps for strengthening Black tourism in the region

5:15 PM | Closing Remarks

John Lewis

As the cofounder & CEO of R3SET Enterprises, a For-Benefit Corporation, and Executive Director of the Blackshires, John pioneers equitable resource distribution models, fostering cooperative economies, community ownership, and digital infrastructure that empowers people. His work with TEAMR3SET.com—a platform for community transformation and economic innovation—is revolutionizing the way commerce, governance, and social equity intersect.

Dubois Thomas

Dubois Thomas, born and raised in Harlem and the Bronx, spent a decade in NYC housing before shifting to tenant advocacy in Brooklyn. Moving to Great Barrington in 2019, he led neighborhood revitalization for Habitat for Humanity before co-founding and serving as President of the Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation. Now the Lead Facilitator of the Blackshires Leadership Accelerator, he remains deeply invested in the Berkshire community through local board service.

Julie Haagenson

With 25+ years in education, experience design, and leadership coaching, Julie Haagenson is a dynamic facilitator and owner of New Pathways Coaching & Consulting. She partners with organizations nationwide to deliver customized workshops and professional development while consulting on workplace culture, employee engagement, and connection. Certified by the ICF and iPEC, she works with nonprofits and corporations to create impactful learning experiences.

Andre Lynch

André Lynch (he/him) is a DEIB coach, consultant, and practitioner with over a decade of experience in K-12 and higher education. He has held leadership roles at institutions like Syracuse University, the University of Nebraska, and SUNY, including serving as an Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion. As the founder of the Berkshire Equity Association, he unites regional equity professionals to drive systemic change. André is a dedicated father, outdoorsman, and activist who finds balance in fishing and gardening.

Hosts and Lead Facilitators

Nicole Payne, MD

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Berkshire Health Systems

Alycia Bacon

Director of the Equity Fund

Berkshire Taconic

Garry Porter

Director

African Diaspora Mental Health Association

Charles Redd

DEI Officer
Berkshire Health Systems

Keytoria Jenkins

Health Equity ChampionReal Estate

Joseph Alston

Wellness Entrepreneur

Alston Center